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Cartridge for my system? Your wisdom is needed

Analog Gurus

The time has come that I am making another change in my front end analog system and I this is going to be my final one for a long while.
I know it sounds familiar but its true, other things are taking precedence over my hobby and I need that to happen 
I am looking for a phono cartridge for my front end analog rig, price is a factor so nothing over $850 since I know there is plenty out there up to this range.

My preference is, neutrality and ultra-resolution with lots of gain
The analog combo is not based of the norm and I am going to make them work together to the best possible manner

Expected synergy for my combination:

Brinkmann Bardo
Tonearm – SME 4.5 custom board from Brinkmann
Phono Preamp – Graham Slee Era Gold with Elevator (so the cartridge can be either MM or MC)

I need a cartridge that will compliment this system, Ayre amplification with a pair of Wilson Sophia’s II
I would like to try a good MC for this but will gladly settle for an excellent MM as well

Ortofon 2M Black is on the list so far and looking for more suggestions and wisdom from all of you out there.
Thanks - R
rapogee
15 responses Add your response
jmcgrogan2's avatar
jmcgrogan2
6,346 posts
 
Audio-Technica AT33PTG/II .
manitunc
795 posts
 
The Black is nice for a MM. For MC, try a Dynavector 17d3. they can be found new in your price range.
tom6897's avatar
tom6897
1,029 posts
 
Look at Clearaudio Maestro Wood 3.6mv. Great resolution extension, transparency and tight tuneful bass. Set-up is a breeze not fussy at all. Does well with most music types if the vinyl is clean. Excellent reviews.
A great precision German audio manufacturer.

Disclaimer: I presently have one listed in the classifieds.
pani
1,049 posts
 
Try to find an Ortofon SL15e with its own little SUT. It beats the Dyna 17D3, most Ortofons upto $2k and any typical MC cartridge under 1.5K quite seriously. It is an old cartridge so you may need to hunt for it a little but it is there in plenty. You will not regret it. And it should cost you well within $500 including its SUT.
rlawry
414 posts
 
Before I spent big bucks on Lyra cartridges from Audioquest and my current Titan i, I had several Grado cartridges and loved them. They are moving-magnet designs and have loads of output and a very robust sound. IMO these are very underrated cartridges and reasonably priced.
lewm
6,770 posts
 
Well said, but I think most Grado cartridges, if not all of them, are based on the moving iron principle, not MM. At least the best ones are. To the OP, you may want to look at the very long thread on MM and MI cartridges here. You will find more good ideas there than you can possibly sort out, re an inexpensive great sounding cartridge.
ihcho's avatar
ihcho
329 posts
 
I have Ortofon SL15 e MKii running with Ortofon MCA76 phono amp. It sounds pretty good, beating my friend's Denon 103R. I also have MC20 and MC100, all of them quite as good as SL15 e MKii. Each of these old Ortofon catridges in NOS or in very good condition can be purchase at under $200 from eBay, and MCA76 or T20 SUT at under $300. These comb at a little bit over $400 would easily beat most cartridges at under $1000.
One catch is that you may get a lemon. You can't be 100% sure for 40~50 year old products.
trinhsman
22 posts
 
I have the Ortofon 2M Black......very, very, nice. On a MMF 7.1 table
triode
263 posts
 
Second the Clearaudio Maestro Wood. A killer at its price.
tom_hankins
850 posts
 
I dont think the Grados fall into the neutral/ultra resolution type he is looking for. The Soundsmiths offer alot of what your looking for.
rapogee OP
242 posts
 
I actually have a Grado at the moment, and for years before have been a Grado fan. I am thinking of something new since there are plenty of choices. Surprisingly enough with the advise provide by some of you adn with respect to all, I did the find the Grados to be a little on the neutral side compared to being forward. Wonderful cartridges for sure. Please do keep them coming. Thanks
Ag insider logo xs@2x
rauliruegas
9,123 posts
 
Dear Rapogee: All posted advices are very good especially the Maestro one.

Inside your budget INHO this latest AT model is a very good alternative too:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio-Technica-Stereo-Cartridge-AT150ANV-/350714266581?pt=US_Record_Player_Turntable_Parts&hash=item51a83303d5

Regards and enjoy the music,
R.
photon46
1,008 posts
 
I'd agree with Tom_hankins that Grados in the stated price range are not ultra resolution champs. They are not my idea of neutral either, although they sure sound pretty.
sidssp
1,077 posts
 
If you want ultra-resolution, Dynavector 17d3 is hard to beat but its price is a little out of your range. The discontinued 17d2 MkII will be in your price range. It is just as good but you should look for unopened NOS box. I will recommend against buying used cart unless you know the owner personally and how he/she handles the cart.
redglobe
218 posts
 
I upgraded from a Denon 103R to Denon DL-S1. It has all of the great sound reproduction of the 103R but way more detail through out the sound spectrum and extended hi and low end. I have 1000 hours on mine and I am completely satisfied.

Purchase from Comet Supply for under $600 (typically it runs around $1200 to $1500). If they are out of stock, purchase from Galen Carol for around $800.
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